Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFind a ProfessionalSchedule an AssessmentStart the ProcessGet a Diagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Find a Professional
Schedule an Assessment
Start the Process
Get a Diagnosis
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What Is Borderline Personality Disorder
Find a Mental Health Professional
The first step toward an accurate diagnosis is finding a qualifiedmental health professional. Here are a few types of healthcare providers who can do BPD assessments:
Choose an independently operating therapist who:
Make a note of all your questions before you contact possible providers so you remember to ask them.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Once you have a short list of BPD therapists who meet your baseline requirements, call to schedule each for an initial consultation. Many mental health professionals offer free, brief consultations over the phone.
Talk with the therapist about:
Why you’re interested in BPD assessment and treatment
Speak to a few therapists, find the one you feel most comfortable with, and schedule an assessment.
Screening Tools for Diagnosing BPD
Start the Assessment Process
When you arrive for your first therapy session, it’s normal to feel nervous and uncomfortable, particularly if you are new to therapy. Keep in mind, however, that the more direct and honest you are during your BPD assessment and possible treatment, the more you will get out of it.
Your BPD assessment may take one or several sessions. Your therapist will tell you how long the assessment will take and the types of tests or interviews to expect.
Providers use various tools to conduct assessments. Generally, a therapist will ask questions about your current and past symptoms, family and work history, and current life situation. Some therapists might also give you a short questionnaire and/or psychological test.
Borderline Personality Disorder Discussion GuideGet our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.Download PDFSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.
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You’ll probably receive adiagnosissoon after your BPD assessment. If your therapist needs more information, however, they may refer you to a specialist or your primary care doctor for further assessment. Your therapist might desire a second opinion or refer you to a specialist to rule out underlying conditions.
More likely, however, is that you’ll receive a diagnosis at the end of your BPD assessment. Your therapist discuss your symptoms with you some more and recommend treatment options.
Your therapist will provide some or all of your treatment, depending on their qualifications and state regulations. If necessary, they may refer you for part of your therapy to another mental health professional with special expertise or the ability to prescribe medication.
5 Keys to Living With Borderline Personality Disorder
A Word From Verywell
BPD can be difficult to assess and diagnose for the healthcare provider. Many of the symptoms overlap with other mood disorders, and BPD doesn’t look the same in everyone, However, an accurate diagnosis is crucial for getting the right treatment and improving its prognosis.
Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder
1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Additional ReadingGroth-Marnat, G.Handbook of Psychological Assessment. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (2016). About BPD.
1 Source
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596Additional ReadingGroth-Marnat, G.Handbook of Psychological Assessment. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (2016). About BPD.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Groth-Marnat, G.Handbook of Psychological Assessment. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder (2016). About BPD.
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